Why UW-Whitewater?

What Alex says about his college: It's creative and inspiring - and it's preparing me for real-world experiences.

"Embrace the diversity. It was eye-opening for me to come to campus and see much more diversity. Just the amount of wheelchairs - we're a top-five college for being the most accessible. I know this diversity makes me a better person and student and gives me experience working with people with perspectives other than my own. The campus has a welcoming feeling - everyone was nice and more than willing to assist me."

RICKY NEWELL

Major: AccountingYear: SophomoreHometown: Milwaukee

Ricky's advice for incoming students: Don't come in expecting anything. College is what you make of it. You have to get comfortable at being uncomfortable. Everything you do, you'll learn something.

"I'd been to campus before because I had come for track meets. But in terms of going to college, I didn't have any idea of what to expect. I was really anxious to start classes. When I came here for Summer Business Institute everyone was so welcoming and friendly. It felt like a community. My high school was nothing like that."

BRITTANY GONZALES

Major: Political science with an emphasis in legal studiesYear: SeniorHometown: Wauwatosa

Brittany's advice to incoming students: Don't skip class! It's a vicious circle, and professors notice if you come. Just show you are trying and they will respect you and help you out.

"Before I came to campus, I remember thinking that I had no idea what to expect - but I was OK with that. It ended up being better than I thought it would be. I came in to Plan-It Purple and found the Legal Eagles learning community. It made a big difference - we spend a lot of time with one another, and you can relate to each other and be stressed together. And don't worry! The people are nice and the professors are there to help you."

KYRA GRAY

Major: Special educationYear: SeniorHometown: East Troy

What Kyra says about her college: It's personalized and challenging. Your adviser is there to help you, but the college allows you to step outside your comfort zone.

"Get to know your professors. You aren't the underdog - you can teach them as well. And go beyond just academics. I got to know one teacher enough to share the fact that I was adopted with her. Later on, I was one of the first people on campus she told when she decided to adopt the first of her two children. Another professor had special office hours just for me and helped me develop Quizlets to use as a learning tool."